(By Guest Author: Matt Lapides, SSU Wine Club President) This week the SSU Wine Club was in for a real treat. Twomey Cellers presented their 2006 Russian River Pinot Noir and a three vintage Merlot vertical of 2003, 2004, and 2005.

This was the first time the club experienced a vertical tasting. We started with the 2003 and it really represented how a great bottle of wine improves with age. Next was the 2004 and you could already see how the fruit characteristics started to taste brighter and more intense. The 2005 was their current release and definitely was the most intense with bright fruit and lush tannins. This Merlot would pair nicely with a good steak.

We had over 40 students in attendance for the event who voted on two favorite wines. The favorite of the group with 25 votes was the 2003 Merlot. I personally have to agree with this. The next favorite with 18 votes was the inaugural release of their 2006 Russian River Pinot Noir with jam and strawberry characteristics.